• Press Release

Statement on Mass Shooting in Orange, California

April 1, 2021

Amnesty International USA released the following statement after reports emerged of a mass shooting in Orange, California, which reportedly left four people dead and two others injured. The shooting occurred just hours after President Joe Biden allocated $5 billion out of his $12 billion American Jobs Plan to support evidence-based community violence prevention programs. Ernest Coverson, the End Gun Violence Campaign Manager at Amnesty International USA, said: 

“Today, many Americans woke up to news of yet another mass shooting, where one victim was reported to be a small child. Once again, we’re reminded that gun violence doesn’t discriminate, and robs children, families and entire communities of all the possibilities their futures may hold. 

“This is why we call on Congress to follow the lead of President Joe Biden and support legislation that can tackle this scourge. While there is no magic wand that will completely eradicate gun violence overnight, there are meaningful steps our lawmakers can take right now to make sure communities are not continually traumatized. We all deserve to be able to move freely around our neighborhoods without the threat of senseless violence hanging over our heads. 

“Full stop, gun violence isn’t something we should get used to. It should be viewed and treated for what it is — a violation of human rights.”